Wellness

[software]

I lost most of my small intestines due to Crohns

I take a B complex, including 12, plus Vit D and calcium.

I try to vary my diet.   Some fish, some red meat and all colors of veggies.

I also drink home made smoothies.   Otherwise I would never get in all the fruits & veggies suggested.

I also stay well hydrated, which is not the same as quenching your thirst

That's the beauty of being at the top of the food chain!   Variation!  I eat everything.

[RedTop]

Falls happen for many reasons, but the main concern with falls in a diabetic is related to circulation in their legs and feet, and not being able to feel their feet. Neuropathy and PAD (peripheral artery disease) increase fall risk.

The tell tale sign of poor circulation in a diabetics legs and feet is in their walk; do they take baby steps, scuff or shuffle their feet or do they move along with a heavy plod? My husband scuffs and plods.

[novamc1]

@RedTop 

I thought this was one of the most interesting parts of  the opening post to this thread.....re: neuropathy and other  symptoms......

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Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency:

Symptoms that this vitamin is too low include balance and memory problems......

Other complications include numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, fatigue, heart palpitations, depression, shortness of breath and sore tongue. In severe cases, people may develop a distinctive type of anemia or other blood abnormalities. Irritability, peripheral neuropathy and trouble with the sense of smell could also signal low vitamin B12 levels.

In making the diagnosis, doctors often check methylmalonic acid levels (MMA) as well as serum vitamin B12. MMA is elevated when there is a vitamin B12 lack. Doctors used to use injections to correct this deficiency, but now they may prescribe a high-dose oral vitamin. This generally makes people feel much better.

[tends2dogs]

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@wonderfulworld wrote:

When you have memory loss (seemingly age related) the first thing the doctors check is B-12, Thyroid and Vit d. Or should check.

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They should also be checking for dehydration and UTI.  Both can cause confusion/memory problems.

[wonderfulworld]

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@tends2dogs wrote:

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@wonderfulworld wrote:

When you have memory loss (seemingly age related) the first thing the doctors check is B-12, Thyroid and Vit d. Or should check.

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They should also be checking for dehydration and UTI.  Both can cause confusion/memory problems.

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Yes indeed.

[SilleeMee]

When I went into menopause things started happening. I started losing my short-term memory, having hot flashes and then I was diagnosed with scleroderma (AI condition). I had a long discussion with my rheumy about my newly diagnosed scleroderma and she said many mid-life health problems come about because of the change in hormone levels. She also said my memory loss could be the result of either a low B-12 or because of a declining estrogen level. That made me do some digging for more info about memory loss and estrogen...it's not out of the possibility and is more common than once thought. 

So now years later and, now post-meno, with a frequent dose of B-12 I don't have memory issues like before. Estrogen level is not in a state of decline as it was in menopause and my B-12 level is good. 

[Sooner]

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@novamc1 wrote:

@RedTop 

I thought this was one of the most interesting parts of  the opening post to this thread.....re: neuropathy and other  symptoms......

__________________

Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency:

Symptoms that this vitamin is too low include balance and memory problems......

Other complications include numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, fatigue, heart palpitations, depression, shortness of breath and sore tongue. In severe cases, people may develop a distinctive type of anemia or other blood abnormalities. Irritability, peripheral neuropathy and trouble with the sense of smell could also signal low vitamin B12 levels.

In making the diagnosis, doctors often check methylmalonic acid levels (MMA) as well as serum vitamin B12. MMA is elevated when there is a vitamin B12 lack. Doctors used to use injections to correct this deficiency, but now they may prescribe a high-dose oral vitamin. This generally makes people feel much better.

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@novamc1 @RedTop So what oral vitamins are good for B-12 supplementation?  I've read pills aren't as good; liquids are better, etc.  And what amounts are normal and high dose?  

I have not really researched this, but am interested to hear what you've been advised and read.  Thanks for posting!

[SilleeMee]

Sublingual B-12 pills work the best for many people. The pills are usually cherry flavored and you just put one under your tongue and the B-12 absorbs there pretty quickly.  The B-12 gets absorbed directly into the blood that way and does not have to go through the stomach where much of the B-12 potency is lost. @Sooner 

I take this one by Spring Valley:

[novamc1]

@Sooner 

I'm not knowledgeable enough to know which viitamins are best.

i take a Centrum Silver multivitamin specifically for women over age 50,  several times a week.

Each pill contains 50 mcg. of B12, which the label says amounts to 833 percent of the recommended daily value. 

Sounds like a lot, doesn't it?

@Sooner 

EDIT:  I recently stopped using Andrew Lessman Hair/Skin/Nails vitamins, because they contain much more biotin that I began to feel comfortable using.

That vitamin mix contains roughly the same amount of B12 as the Centrum Silver.

[Mom2Dogs]

@cherry my step daughter is dealing with this right now...low B-12.  The doctors cannot seem to figure out why her numbers are so low.  She has a appt. with a specialist...in Feb 2020....she made the appointment in November 2019.

She is overly tired for her age, overweight and has memory issues.  She had her thyroid removed about 15 years ago.